Barchester Towers Study Guide

The story begins in July in the 1850s. The Bishop of Barchester, Dr. Grantly Sr., is on his deathbed. There is a great deal of speculation about who will replace him. One hopeful candidate is the Bishop's son, the Archdeacon. The Archdeacon has reason to hope that he will be the replacement because the current Prime Minister has promised him the position. However, in the month that Dr. Grantly Sr. is dying, the government of England changes and a new Prime Minister is appointed. The new Prime Minister is of the opposing party, and therefore chooses his own candidate to be Bishop of Barchester. After much newspaper debate, Dr. Proudie is selected to be the new Bishop. The Archdeacon is very disappointed. (read more)